Letting Go…

My manuscript will be undergoing a rather significant revision over the next few weeks.  Based on comments received by an agent (an agent who is willing to reread/reconsider my work upon revision), I decided to work with a developmental editor.  I did some research – and after hearing about him via a tweet by an agent – decided to see if Alan Rinzler would be open to working on my manuscript.  He read my work, sent me an email with his initial thoughts and estimated fee, and offered to field any questions/concerns via a phone call.  We talked, and then decided to move forward with the developmental editing. 

Let me pause to explain that developmental editing is not the same thing as copy editing.  A developmental editor offers something substantially different  – he or she considers the totality of your work.  Plot, characterization, pacing, dialog, subplots, marketability – so if you are considering working with such an editor, be ready to possibly make significant changes to specific aspects of your novel.  And that is what this blog is about.  The willingness to make those changes.  For more on this, please visit Alan’s site here: http://www.alanrinzler.com/home.html 

I’m a control person.  Maybe not a freak, but certainly someone who would rather be in control of my life than not.  At least to the degree than I can have any control over my life!  I’m also accustomed to working on projects alone.  Yes, I’ve experienced the challenges and benefits of teamwork, but usually everyone has their own ‘mini-project’ to work on and then we all come together and viola – the whole thing is done.  Yeah, working with an editor isn’t like that.  You do your part, he does his – and then the real work begins.  This is just the start of the process for me, so some of this may change, but…from what I gather, some back and forth is a necessary part of the experience. 

And while all the changes made are, ultimately, up to me (read, in my control) – if a better book is my goal (it is), an openness to his input and a willingness to make changes is essential.  And that’s hard.  Not because his suggestions aren’t good/great/so fantastic I wish I’d thought of it - but because sometimes you want to hold on to those ideas or to those chapters or to the images you have in your head of your characters.   It’s your story – and while you may beg for input on how to tell it better, it’s hard to make some of those changes.  But, not impossible.

And that’s where I am.  Deciding which changes to make, and of those I want to make – the best way to do so.  When Alan sent me the marked up manuscript, he suggested I read his comments/changes SLOWLY, and more than once.  And then I should count to ten, read them again – and then wait ten days to set up our phone consult.  Wise man, experienced man.  He certainly knows writers – or at least, this one who admitted during our first phone call patience was an elusive virtue for me.  He must also have picked up on other of my lesser qualities – hot-headedness for one.  My first read through of his comments, I misunderstood some of his suggestions.  Another read  – and several tears – later, I realized some of his suggestions were not what I first thought and were, in reality, quite doable.  So if you work with a developmental editor – don’t take any comments personally, don’t jump to any conclusions.  Take a deep breath, read any suggestions slowly and with focus – then cry if you still feel inclined (or yell, or whatever you do to work through your frustration).  And then, get to work.  Chances are, the suggested changes will make your book better – but it’s up to you to accept the challenge.

Hint:  It’s easier if you just…let go.

Nothing to Complain About…

A blog in which I rant about not having anything to rant about.

I’m rather fortunate.  Blessed, in all truth.  In 2009, I decided to follow a decades-long dream and become a writer.  I’d been a writer before – but never of fiction.  And boy, is the transition from writing nonfiction to fiction a huge one!  I’ve had rather positive experiences with my “writer’s life” so far, but the true reason I feel so very fortunate — my family.

From day one, my family has shown support in so many ways — encouragement, story ideas, peace and quiet time so I could write….you name it, they’ve probably done it.  And to give full credit where due, my husband is the one who finally convinced me I should ignore my fears and give in to my desire to write.  Support has come from other places, too.  My Mom’s constant praise and encouragement, my neigbors’ enthusiasm to have a ‘real writer’ in the neighborhood, even the electrician who wired and installed our ceiling fans.  Yes, I talk about my writing to everyone.  And so far, not one person has shook his head or questioned my sanity (not to my face, at least).  All have asked about my novel, offered to read it, shared their love of books…basically, convinced me that this endeavor was only ever possibly foolish to one person and one person alone – me.  But a life of not taking risks tends to do that to a person.  And writing very much involves risk-taking.  Which is not a bad thing.

Back to my lack of things to complain about, though…

I often come across comments in blogs that suggest many beginning writers do not have such positive experiences.  The comments suggest that the writer is anything but satisfied with how things are going – from their lack of finding an agent to lack of finding a publisher to lack of finding anything positive to say about any aspect of their experiences.  And I know some writers are not as fortunate to have such a strong support system in place.  Still, it seems a few writers — especially those new to the life — are simply, and forever, unhappy.  Not me. 

I wrote a novel last year.  My first one.  Is it great?  Of course not – certainly not yet.  Is it good?  Parts are, I think.  Does it have potential?  I believe it does, given some of the responses I’ve received.  Enough potential that there is at least one agent out there open to reading it again.  One agent who was kind enough to take the time to give me feedback on my work.  And another agent who is also waiting for the revised manuscript.  I’m going to work with a developmental editor this month on my manuscript.  That should be quite the adventure…and one I’ll blog about over the next few weeks.  All in all, I feel things are heading in the right direction.  Meaning, forward.  Not that I mind taking a step or two backwards, but so long as I’m improving as a writer and continuing to put those voices in my head down on paper….well, that’s moving forward to me.

And about those agents…sometimes some of those posts I mentioned above suggest agents aren’t nice.  Or that they’re even mean-spirited.  I’ve honestly not found that to be the case at all.  Any agent I’ve come into contact with has been polite/kind/encouraging/helpful/a regular person (i.e. approachable).  Guess that’s just another thing I can’t complain about.

So — looking forward to 2010…revision of my manuscript.  Probably major, which is fine.  I would rather be working than not.  Family support strong, attitude positive, complaints — zero.

Happy Writing!

Cat

Time Out…

I took a self-imposed time-out from (almost) all things Internet for three weeks.  Other than some Christmas shopping and checking email, I tried to ignore the siren call of my notebook.  Most days, my willpower stayed strong.  I spent more time with my family - celebrating Thanksgiving, a birthday (and another one coming up), simply enjoying other aspects of my life. 

I’ll never do that again!

Seriously, while the first week was fine…by week three my world felt upside down.  The characters in my head quickly traveled the stages of disbelief.  First it was the “oh, she’ll be right back.  She’s probably just out getting ideas for more stories.”  They moved on to “I suppose she’s due time with her ‘real’ family.  It is the holidays after all.”  Last week, it was “What the hell?  You think she’s purposely tuning us out?  And after all we’ve done for her.”  Joe was especially choice in his words.  “Some dame, that one.” 

Well, when Joe started to turn on me…I knew I had to stop.  So, I’m back.  Posting here first, then on to catching up on several blogs I like to follow.  And then the big one – working on the second Joe Cooper novel.  Oh, I’ve not let that one go to the wayside.  I said I stayed away from my notebook…but I could never stay away from Joe! 

This little time-out experiment did give me the opportunity to realize that balance in life is everything.  While I was busy working on my first novel, Set ‘Em Up, Joe, my focus remained on my writing.  Even when I was away from my notebook, I was not away from my story.  I carried a digital recorder and notepads everywhere.  Really – on errands, at the gym, to dinner.  My family put up with me, but I could tell there were times they wanted my full attention.  And they had it…for the past three weeks.  But I can’t hold out any longer…so now, the key is to figure out a way to work on my stories and be fully ‘there’ in those moments with my family. 

Any suggestions??

Query Me This…My Queries

As promised, below are the before and after queries.  I sent the first one out to two agents, both passed.  Looking back, I’m not amazed by that fact.  More like upset with myself for sending out a clearly not-yet-ready query.  I thought it was…but I was wrong.

 The Before:

(note that I included a couple of lines customized to the agent, not included here)

Medical examiner Joe Cooper is a vampire with an insatiable appetite for booze, blood and women—and a hunger for justice. 

Joe would rather be drinking scotch.  Instead he’s up to his fangs in murdered Innocents, partnered with a suck-up profiler sent by the Council, and chasing rogue vampires on a killing spree during Baltimore’s peak tourist season.  Using his vampiristic abilities and skills acquired as a medical examiner, Joe tracks down the vamps responsible for the murders.  When he does, he discovers there’s more at stake than a group of bloodsuckers hell-bent on breaking all the laws that govern his kind.  And that the vampire calling the shots is the same one who turned him sixty years ago—a female with the darkest of blood running through her veins.  As the story draws to a close, Joe realizes that before you can knock down all your demons, you have to SET ‘EM UP, JOE. 

My 92,000 word manuscript, SET ‘EM UP, JOE, is an urban fantasy similar in style to Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series; with flavors of noir similar to those found in The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.  It is my first novel and the first of a proposed five book series featuring Joe Cooper. 

May I send my manuscript for your consideration?

Thank you for your time, 

Catherine Misener  (contact information was included with query)

I’m going to comment on why I think this one didn’t work, but first: 

The After

Dear, (again, I included a few lines customized to each agent I queried.  More on this when I compare the two queries.)

SET ‘EM UP, JOE is a 92,700 word paranormal noir similar in style to Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files.  It is my first novel.

Being undead has its perks.  And for medical examiner Joe Cooper those include inhuman strength, good looks to spare, and the ability to get what he wants from any woman, anywhere, anytime.  Joe’s a vampire with a lust for booze, blood and the fairer sex.  And while Joe could spend all his nights with one hand on a bottle of scotch and the other on some curvy dame, being a member of the walking damned does carry baggage.  That tug on his conscience that for every ounce of blood he takes, he should give a little something back.  So to his other appetites, add a hunger for justice. 

Sure, Joe likes his blood direct from the source—and that doesn’t mean cud-chewing cows or big-eyed deer—but in his world, that doesn’t mean his mark has to die.  Take what you need and never leave the human worse for wear.  When others of his kind fail to follow that dictum, Joe doesn’t hesitate to point out the folly of their ways.  And in Baltimore, the latest place Joe calls home, more than one rogue vamp needs redirection. 

In this novel—the first of a proposed five book series—Joe finds himself up to his fangs in murdered Innocents and chasing rogue vampires on a killing spree during Charm City’s peak tourist season.  Using his vampiristic abilities and skills acquired as a medical examiner, Joe tracks down the vamps responsible for the murders.  When he does, he discovers there’s more at stake than a group of bloodsuckers hell-bent on breaking all the laws that govern his kind.  And that the vampire calling the shots is the same one who has hunted him for decades, the same one who turned him sixty years ago—a female with the darkest of blood running through her veins.  A nasty bit of goods he’s done everything he could to avoid, but the time for running is over.  Joe soon realizes that before you can knock down all your demons, you have to SET ‘EM UP, JOE. 

May I send you my manuscript for consideration? 

Thank you for your time, 

Catherine Misener (contact information, plus personal and character blogs included)

And there you go…two queries.  My thoughts on why I feel the second one is better, and the thought process behind my query next!

Query Me This…Part II

In part II, Catherine worked her way through part of the definition of Query (A one page letter to entice a prospective agent or producer into requesting and reading your work – provides only brief and relevant information.)  She made it as far as the part about enticing, when suddenly the urge to work on her novel overtook her sensibilities.  She swore to come back to her four-part blog on the query process, but Joe–charming cad that he is–kept her enthralled with his story longer than she expected.  Finally freed from his debonair ways and sharp bite, she is back with the second part of Query Me This.

We are now at the prospective agent part of the definition of query.  This is where you need to give serious thought to who you want to query, and why.  Some do take the ‘catch-all’ approach, meaning–they query to any agent they hear of/read about/find on the internet.  O.k….that was not my approach.  As I mentioned at the end of part one, I took the slow and steady way to sending out my query. 

I follow several agent blogs, and that’s where I started my ‘who to query’ search.  I’m not going to mention specific names of agents I queried, but I will provide a list of agent and editor blogs worth checking out (below).  Even if you have no intention of querying any of the agents, I suggest you check out their posts.  There is a ton of practical information and encouragement to be found by reading agent–and editor–blogs.  You also get to know something of the personality of the agent, as well as his or her genre interests.  When it comes to the query, you may also be fortunate enough to find specific guidelines posted by an agent.  Things such as how many paragraphs should cover your novel (some want one, others two to three); should you include just the hook and a few lines about the plot or should you also include how the novel ends (usually, not…but I’ve come across a couple of agent guidelines that call for giving away the ending of your story); and what other material should accompany the query (synopsis, first five pages, etc.).

All of this information is given freely to you by the agent, so why not read it…and then, follow those guidelines.  This helps ensure that you submit a query package in a way preferred by an agent.  It’s like dressing the part for a job interview–you want to start off on the right foot my making a good impression.  Showing you took the time/made the effort to read the agent’s guidelines and that you can follow directions is part of that good impression. 

The other reason you should read agent blogs is to get a feel for their genre interests.  Many agents are open to a wide variety of genres, while some focus on just a few.  Do not waste anyone’s time by submitting a query to an agent who does not represent the genre of your novel.  Often you will find an agent blogs about his or her interests–including, what he or she is looking for right now.  To me, that is like gold.  If her interests match your genre or more specifically, novel, then you know there is a potential match.  When I come across something like that, not only do I say to myself ‘hey, maybe this is a good agent to query’, but it strengthens the belief that my story is one of interest to others.   

I could pen an entire blog on the benefits of reading agent and editor blogs (hey, maybe I will), but for purposes of the query process just keep in mind that there is only so much time in a day.  You can either query at random, or query at will.  To do the latter, you need to research.  And while there are viable guides to literary agents, nothing beats going straight to the source. 

Note:  If the agent you want to query does not blog, be sure to check out the agency website.  Often, you will find a short write-up on each agent, including genre interests and what they are looking for right now.  Plus, you need to find the submission guidelines specific to that agency and agent.  Checking out the website is one step better than relying on possibly outdated information found in more general written or online guides.  One exception is the Guide to Literary Agents blog, which usually offers current and correct information.  Again, check the agent’s blog and agency website to be sure…before you send out a query.

Before I move on to the last part of the definition, here are some stellar agent and editor blogs worth reading.

http://arcaedia.livejournal.com/  When you pop over to Jennifer Jackson’s blog, you can view her tagline:  Et in arcaedia, ego.  (and then) Saving the world, one book sale at a time.  I just love that.  One of my favorite things to read on her blog…her weekly ‘letters from the query wars’ where she provides a numbers review of how many queries received to how many partials requested (w/ genre).  Read some of those weekly posts.  If nothing else puts things in perspective in terms of how many queries are sent out each week (and to just this one agent, so do the math), this will.  From what I’ve read on other agent blogs, the numbers are comparable.  Agents receive hundreds of queries–per week.  I’ll write that again.  Hundreds, per week.  Don’t you want your query to stand out (in a good way)?

http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/  Rachelle Gardner’s blog is one of the most uplifting blogs around.  Yes, she gives you practical advice on being a writer/finding an agent/being part of the industry, but what she really gives you–encouragement and advice in an unbelievably supportive environment.  She’s just so darn kind. 

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/  Nathan Bransford is hilarious.  And witty.  And also supportive and helpful.  Did I mention hilarious?  Sure, I get all manner of advice from how to format a query to the Ten Commandments for the Happy Writer–but it’s the laughs that get me every time.  And again, with the hope.  Geesh, what with all the positive advice some agents give you, you’d think they actually want you to succeed as a writer.  Oh, wait…

I would be remiss if I didn’t include the unflappable Janet Reid.  Actually, I have no idea if she’s unflappable as I’ve never met her, much less tried to…uh, flap her??  But in her blogs, she comes across as cool and collected.  Though not always calm (and I mean that in the best way possible).  Ms. Reid has two blogs–her own, which is great for following the weekly/sometimes daily thoughts of a kick-a– agent, and the one she might be better known for.  Query Shark is the first place you should go to get some serious–and straightforward–insight into what makes a query letter work.  Although, you more apt to find what makes a query not work.  You can submit your own query for attack review, but from what I understand there’s a hell of a waitlist.  Just keep that in mind if you’re eager to send out your query.

 http://www.therejectionist.com/ The Rejectionist is…well, it’s…ok….the blog is like this…oh heck, just go check it out.  It’s…unique.  And certainly worth reading. 

http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com/  Editorial Anonymous is covered by a children’s book editor.  I don’t know who…because, it’s, uh, anonymous.  It’s also very helpful if you write children’s books.  Or maybe read children’s books.  Hey, why not? 

Another one worth your browsing time is The Rejecter.  In the description, the Rejecter states she or he is the first line of defense for the boss.  Isn’t that a great image?  I like it.  Puts things in perspective.  And perspective’s good. 

And now, on to the last part of the definition:  provides only brief and relevant information.   Brief and relevant.  Keep in mind you get one page.  If two to three paragraphs are devoted to the hook and the book, and one paragraph is customized to the agent, then that leaves about a paragraph for the cook (about you).*  What’s relevent is a hard call.  If you have writing experience–professional writing experience, you should probably include it.  Meaning, you’ve written articles that have been published in magazines or journals; you’ve written other novels or stories (again, published); or something you’ve written (including the novel in your query) has won awards.  That you wrote your family’s holiday newsletter when you were ten…that’s cool and kinda cute, but not really relevant to your current project.  I’m going to leave more on this part of the definition to the pros.  Below are links to sites that cover what and what not to include:

Writer’s Digest  

Guide to Literary Agents

Nathan Bransford on whether or not to list your publishing credits and what to do if you don’t have any.

This concludes Part II of Catherine’s four-part Query Process blog.  Methinks Joe has caught her attention again (bad vampire…naughty, naughty vampire).  When she returns, she will post her before and after query.

*The Hook, the Book and the Cook is a term used by Barbara Poelle.

Query Me This…

This is Part One of (what will be) a four-part rant blog on my thoughts on querying.  The first two parts offer my general views or approach to the query process.  Parts three and four walk you through the steps I took when working on queries.  Included are two versions of the one for Set ‘Em Up, Joe.* 

A Query: The Sum of Its Parts

Query:  To pose a question.**

Rather succinct definition.  To the point, though not extremely helpful–unless you think of the question being asked as  “Will you read my work?”  Because that is the fundamental goal of any query.

Here’s a more detailed definition:

A one page letter to entice a prospective agent or producer into requesting and reading your work – provides only brief and relevant information.**

Let’s break that down.  One page letter.  Hmmm….might need to break it down even more. 

One Page.  ONE.  Not three, not one-in-a-half.  One.  Yes, it’s possible.  Yes, it’s what agents typically want.  If you can’t boil down the premise of your novel to one page, you may need to rethink things.  More on this later when I discuss how I worked on my query.

Letter.  This is actually important to think about.  A letter is a form of written communication.  When you are writing a letter, you consider the recipient as you craft it.  This means you consider your audience and structure how and what you write accordingly. 

A note to your mom might be done on the fly, filled with more lax prose or cutesy language.  Maybe you share a beef or make a snide remark about something that’s got your jammies in a bunch.  A letter to an agent, not so much. 

The query should be professionally approached, written and sent.  Think of it as a job interview (in a way, it is…you want to be hired as a writer), and put your best self forward.  Warning–this next sentence is very long. If you’re reading this out loud, for some strange reason, take a deep breath first. 

If your best self is a ranting, whining, angst-ridden writer who believes the only thing standing between his book being on the shelves of every bookstore in the world and author obscurity is an army of agents, editors and publishers who wouldn’t know a good book unless you told them they were a mere request for a full away from it–get thee to a shrink.***  Or your spirtual advisor of choice.  Or the group of friends and family who always get that creative types are perpetually misunderstood and underappreciated.  But whatever you do, don’t query.  Not until after several therapy sessions and some serious self-contemplation.  And maybe a stiff drink because you need to chill. 

Agents are not the enemy.  If you send a query that is in any way pushy, rude or disparaging of the industry- you’re your own enemy.  Politeness, respect and an appreciation for the process is a better way- to not only approach an agent – but to approach anyone.  And why would you not want to be professional?  Don’t you want to be treated that way?  Remember that whole do unto others lesson you learned as a child?  The lesson doesn’t become moot when you make the transition to adulthood.  I stress this part because lately I’ve noticed an alarming trend in agent blogs.  Many are sharing common problems with query letters they receive (and pass on).  From what I gather, many queries are borderline rude.  Some go so far as to criticize other agents or editors, or the industry as a whole.  I don’t get it.  Why would anyone want to be part of something they seem to hate so much??  Anyway, point made.  Be a professional (as in you want to be a professional author, right…so start by being a professional writer).

** From the best source for finding information–Google (o.k., maybe not, but my dictionary is upstairs and honestly, I go online for just about everything anyway).

*** Never underestimate the power of a good shrink.  Er, psychiatric professional. 

Entice.  Ooh, this is a good part.  I’m all a tingle here.  Again, we must turn to our trusty google dictionary.  To entice means to lure; to attract by arousing desire or hope.  And while the lure part almost sounds a little stalker-like, the rest is great.  To attract by arousing desire or hope.  I mean, doesn’t that get you all a tingle, too?  Arouse, desire, hope.  Good stuff.  It’s what you want your novel to do, right?  So you need your query to do that, too.  

How do you entice?  Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t have dismissed that lure part so quickly, because what is another word for lure?  Bait.  And when you see the word bait, what do you think of?  Come one, quick word association 101.  Bait: Hook.  Ah, now we’re cooking, because the HOOK is what gets the interest of an agent–in fact, it gets the interest of any reader. 

So you want to lure an agent by dangling that hook, that thing which makes your novel a must-read.  Now, you don’t actually say that.  You don’t write something along the lines of “this is the greatest book you will ever read!”  or “you must read this book, it’s the next BIG THING!”.  Because first, that’s just obnoxious.  Second, and please don’t take this personally (I don’t), but really?  The greatest book ever?  Cuz, there are some really, really great books out there.  I’m not saying your book isn’t incredible, but pride goeth before the fall and all that. 

You don’t state your book is fab–you show it.  Show, don’t tell.  I know you’ve read that before.  This goes back to the One Page part, but essentially you need to present that which makes your book unique/fantastic/at least a great read.  Seriously, you need to let the agent know why your book is what it is–the premise and how the premise is met.  This is where that ever elusive thing known as voice comes in.  Entice an agent by offering a glimpse of your novel—the tone, the character(s), the conflict, the driving passion if you will.  And you allow your voice to come through it all.

By the way, one other reason not to state your novel will be the best one that agent will read?  How do you know?  Hey, maybe it will be.  But it’s a subjective call.  Only that agent knows what she or he loves.  Although that does tie in with the next part of the definition–Prospective Agent–which is covered in Part Two.

 

 

*In a nutshell (what does that mean, anyway?) – I worked hard on the first query I sent.  I read books on how to write queries, attended a query workshop, asked for outside input…and sent it to two agents (I took the slow and steady approach).  Both agents passed.  So, I did more research–this time, reading agent blogs and pouring over agency and agent guidelines.  My revised query was sent to four agents, three of which requested partials (current status-still on cloud nine due to requests, hoping partials turn to fulls, fulls turn to…oh, you know).  I did research, I read, I revised…and I honestly feel good about the query I sent out the second time.  My sincere hope is that my comments might help any other writers who are struggling with the query process.

Vampires, Werewolves and Zombies…Oh, My! Part One

The first in a three-part commentary on Mythical Creatures.

Before I get into this, let me state that I love vampires.   Unequivocally, unabashedly, eternally.  And yes, I realize they’re not real.  Let’s move on.

Vampires

My first novel, completed this year, is about vampires.  A tale of longing and hunger; of lust and regret.  My story introduces medical examiner Joe Cooper-a vampire with an insatiable appetite for booze, blood and women.  And a hunger for justice.  He represents many of the qualities I’ve always admired in (fictional) vampires.  Inhuman abilities-check.  Rugged good looks-oh, yeah.  A thirst for human blood-absolutely.  He’s dangerous when he has to be; charming when he wants to be.  He also has (forgive the pun) a heart.  Because one other thing that’s always drawn me to certain fictional vampires is their sense of loss.  Of what might be, of what can never be.  I’m a sucker for a sad story.  

Let me also say that I adore the Twilight Series.  Just like many others out there, I quickly found myself caught up in the story of Bella and Edward.  I felt like a teenager again, except only the good parts.  And while many have said that her vampires weren’t fierce enough, or that the love story wasn’t graphic enough – hey, it was intended for a young adult audience.  Just because those of us who are…um…not young adults, also fell in love with the story, does not mean we should judge it as if it was meant for us.  Don’t judge it at all.  Just enjoy the story.  Because it’s a great one.

But…my novel is for a more mature audience, and as such, brings vampires back to the darker side of their existence.  In other words, Joe ain’t a vegetarian.  And he likes sex.  Nothing smutty, mind you.  But I did worry about sending the first draft to my mom to read. 

I’ve heard the complaints – “if I have to see another vampire on t.v. or read about another vamp book, I’m gonna hurl” (or something to that effect).  O.k. – so you don’t like vampires.  Or maybe you’re just tired of them, you want something else to entertain you.  Fine, but you’ve got to admit that vampires are one type of mythical creature that’s not going anywhere.  There’s an allure there…the vampire mythos speaks to us (women and men, both).  For different reasons, and in different ways, but still–the appeal remains relatively constant. 

And there are so many ways for writers to explore this legend–to sculpt their characters and build their worlds in ways that reflect that which they find the most alluring/seductive/frightening.  Writers write about vampires to appease the multitude of readers out there who are clamoring for this genre.  But we also write about vampires to satisfy our own creative selves. 

Urban, paranormal, supernatural – call it what you will, but this genre of fantasy fiction is popular.  And for good reason. And while vampires are but one of the many creatures that can be given life in such fiction, to me–they’re the most beguiling.

My thoughts on Werewolves and Zombies later this week…

Happy Writing!

Cat

Going Social (Media) with Your Novel…

I’m intrigued by the concept of creating an online presence for my characters and stories.  A place for readers to learn more about a character’s history, to experience their stories in different ways….

And I’m also eager to give my characters their own breathing space.  Or rather, give me mine back.  Because sometimes they won’t leave me alone!  Driving about, running errands that have nothing to do with my stories–just living life, and mutter, mutter…here come the voices.  Whispers in the background are wonderful when you’re sitting down writing their stories–but when you’re just trying to enjoy dinner with your family.  Honestly, it gets frustrating (not really, I love it).  So, I decided to give my protagonist, Joe Cooper, his own platform.  I started http://twitter.com/BloodRunsRed and http://cooperjoe.wordpress.com so that readers could follow his exploits outside of the novels.  I’m not exactly sure how it will work out, but I think it could be fun.  Perhaps too much fun. 

Of course a website is a must, so that is something else I’m working on.  Joe never calls any place home for more than a year, so perhaps an online interactive map of where he’s been, what he’s done might be of interest.  I want to include vignettes on other characters in the series, too (as I would love to write a series based on at least one other character introduced in the first novel). 

I’m still in the learning stages of this phenomena called Social Media.  Sure, I have a facebook account to keep up with family and friends and thoroughly enjoy twitter…but there are so many other media out there that I’ve yet to explore.

Here are a couple of articles on using social media to promote your books/stories:

http://alturl.com/4tce  (love the You Tube idea, but might get in trouble with the law if Joe ever did one)

http://alturl.com/ua4u (frequent blog posting is always a challenge, but so important to do)

http://alturl.com/c7ud (interesting take on using Twitter to create a novel or twovel.  Could be interesting to allow others to write next line in story you start, similar to what BBC recently did.)

So tell me – how do you share your stories and characters outside of the (traditionally published) novels you write?  Or share before your book is published?

And if one of your characters has a twitter account, blog, facebook page or anything else online – please let me know.  I’d love to follow.

Happy Writing -

Catherine

Keeping Busy…

I’ve not heard back on my manuscript, but I have learned how to temper my impatience.  Let’s see, over the past week I’ve worked out, picked pumpkins, entered another contest on a blog, listened to the new Michael Buble cd several times, and oh, yeah – started my next novel.  All in all, not a total waste of nervous energy or time. 

When I started my first novel – the first in what I hope will become a five book series featuring Joe Cooper – I began to follow blogs posted by other writers.  A common theme seemed to be their constant writing, even in the face of uncertainty (or sigh, rejection.  Such a horrible word, really).  It amazed me to learn that so many writers kept right on…writing.  They would send out a query or partial or full and get right to work on their next novel.  And even if they received several rejections (again, bad word, bad), they would keep at it.  And I have to admit, while part of me admired their tenacity and belief in their craft, a small part of me wondered how the hell they could keep writing without some sort of validation of their work.  Then, I started writing my first novel.  And now – I get it.

Honest to goodness, it’s not about the validation.  Yes, of course we want an agent to sit up, notice our lovingly crafted tale, and offer representation.   Well, what we really hope for is that what we so lovingly crafted is worth noticing.  The validation may not be driving us, but it sure as heck doesn’t hurt.  So what is it about?  What keeps a writer glued to her screen/notepad/whatever plugging away with the very real possibility that it might take a long, long time before her work is visible to others?  For me, a big part of it is getting those voices out of my head.  Because sometimes, they won’t shut up.

All the characters (who often seem more real to me than they should) and their stories, heartaches, happy times…getting all of that down is a heck of an experience.  Working on my first novel was amazing.  I went through a full range of emotions every week – excitement, uncertainty, hope, anxiousness and many more I couldn’t quite pinpoint.  At times I would think of a line and laugh out loud.  My family quickly learned to ignore my outbursts, as it were.   “Mommy’s thinking of her story again,” one of my boys would say.

As I begin work on my second novel, things are different.  I feel as if I have more control over my words, certainly a deeper appreciation for the craft.  And I’m even more committed to this life.  And with the transition from writing my first novel to working on my second (and a couple of short stories), I think I better understand why writers keep at it.  Why as each idea begins to take root in their minds, they nurture it – hoping it will grow into something that can survive.  Because to not do so would be like killing off a part of you, some part of you that whispers ‘what-ifs’ and ‘could-bes’ and dreams of other lives and their hopes, desires, and needs.  Maybe some – some who are not writers – might say it’s crazy to do this, to keep at it when you’ve no idea if you’ve got what it takes or not.  But I say, to not do it…to keep hearing all those voices in your head and not get their stories out, that would be crazy. 

Happy Writing -

Cat

The Waiting Game…

Humming The Waiting Game, to the tune of The Crying Game…

My manuscript is with an agent right now.  Could be waiting in his inbox, or perhaps on screen as I type this blog.  Don’t you wish you could send a little spy camera along with your queries or partials or fulls?  O.k., that might be borderline stalker…maybe a meter or something that lets you know your manuscript is being read, what the response is each page, that sort of thing.  Anything to keep the waiting jitters in check.  Because let me tell you, those jitters have me…well, jittery.  I’ve hit two happy hours this week trying to take my mind of it.  Yeah, real hardship.  If nothing else, I can say my husband and I found a new place to enjoy a glass of wine and take in the sights of Portland. 

It’s been a challenge to work on the second book in my series not knowing if the first one will be well-received.  I know they say not to think about that, to just keep writing.  But it is hard to keep the spirit high.  And there’s a part of me that wants to go back to my manuscript and make changes!  Not good when you’ve sent it out, of course – but still, that mind keeps churning over ideas and lines and scenes…

My protagonist is a guy who never stays in one place for more than a year.  The first novel takes place in Baltimore, the second one will be – well, somewhere else.  I’ve decided on a city, but want to do more research to ensure the place has the right feel for the story.  Ok, that’s a lie.  I’ve already picked the setting for each novel in the series (there will be five).  Just not ready to share, I guess.  I’ve even prepared a blurb for each novel and a first draft of the next three opening scenes.  That’s my ‘keeping things optimistic’ side showing through. 

So what do you do when you’ve got the nerves?  When you’re in between hearing back from an agent, or if you’re agented – from publishers? 

Happy hour is always nice, but here are a few other ideas because a writer cannot live by house wine and discounted appetizers alone (though the yam fries were really, really good).

 1.  Visit library and read back issues of Writers Digest.  Then sign up for subscription.  You’ll probably want to read each issue in one sitting, the information is that good.  You may also be able to find issues of local writing journals, such as the Willamette Writer (WA, OR).  Check them out for local events, ways to meet other writers, writing opportunities and how-to articles.

2.  Go somewhere new – a coffee shop other than Starbucks, the local mall, a park – anywhere you can observe others going about their day.  Take notes on mannerisms, clothing, snippets of conversation.   Now, don’t get all freaky and invade someone’s personal space.  Just observe and be open to seeing/hearing things from a different perspective.  You never know what tidbits you might use down the road in a story. 

3.  Attend a writing workshop or other event.  I’m considering an upcoming Fire in Fiction two-day workshop in Seattle.  It is relatively affordable (hotel aside) and a mere three hours away.  Plus, Donald Maass knows more than a thing or two about helping writers improve their craft.  It would give me the opportunity to get away from my routine for a few days, which is a great way to spark your creative muse.  Bet I can do some cool people-watching in Seattle.  Last time I was there, Pike’s Market proved a breeding ground for…ecclectic.

4.  Catch up on social media – Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, what have you.  I have to admit staying on top of such things has proven difficult.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy my time on twitter or working on my blog, but there are days when other duties beckon me.  The time ‘in-between novels’ might be a good time to work on those things.  And you can pick up so much inside information by following agent blogs and tweets. 

5.  Do something that has nothing to do with writing.  Yeah, I’m not sure that’s actually possible.  It seems that whatever I’m doing, my writing self is simply there.  An idea, a line, a twist – you can’t help it when those just happen, nor should you try to stop it.  Keep a recorder or notepad/pen handy, jot down the idea, then go back to what you were doing.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at the gym, on the treadmill or something, and an idea hits me.  

Same thing happened last night – during my happy hour jaunt.  There I was, sitting at Three Degrees, enjoying the view of the water, sipping my white wine (I usually prefer red, just so you know), spending time with my husband.  When wham, I noticed a harmless looking couple walking by the river.  It was around 7:00, the water had that ripple of lights from the bridge you get in the evening – serene, hopeful.  And all I could think of was wouldn’t it be cool to have something come out of that water and drag the girl into the river so fast no one but the guy saw anything?   And then of course no one would believe him, because really – have you ever heard of the Willamette Water Monster?  So he’d be arrested, all the time frantic with worry over his gal and his own skin, most likely.  Looking around to see if anyone else saw what happened.  And he’d see someone, someone sitting on the deck of a boutique hotel, sipping a glass of wine, eating a yam fry.  And they’d make eye contact.  And he’d know that the other person had seen it all, but wasn’t going to do a thing about it because sometimes people are mean that way.  Or because maybe the person was in on it, knew what lurked beneath the calm waters of the Willamette River where laughing families learn to kayak and many a well-toned collegiate takes his turn sculling to and from the bridge.  Where a few homeless sit and wait for a better day, and maybe one or two go missing but no one has noticed because sometimes people are also blind that way.  This couple’s whole story played out in my mind while I was sipping my second glass of white.  The couple walked on – and away, but still the idea lingered.  And lingers still.  Hmmm…I think I’ve found something to do while playing the waiting game.